Infusion of pitching coming soon to Cubs

MESA, Ariz. — Brett Marshall never threw a pitch in the Cubs' organization, and left-hander Brooks Raley didn't get his chance to compete for a spot in the bullpen.

The Reds and Twins, respectively, claimed Marshall and Raley on waivers Wednesday. But the loss of those players actually could help the Cubs, who are expected to announce the signings of starting pitcher Jason Hammel and reliever James McDonald this week.

The Cubs claimed Marshall, 23, off waivers in December from the Yankees, for whom he made three appearances in 2013.

Raley, 25, was scheduled to make the conversion from starter to reliever after making at least 22 starts during each of the last four seasons in the minors. Raley was perceived as a long shot to make the major league roster with the addition of Wesley Wright and non-roster invitee Jonathan Sanchez to aid James Russell from the left side.

McDonald, 29, has pitched parts of six seasons with the Dodgers and Pirates. McDonald won 12 games for the Pirates in 2012 but missed the final five months of the 2013 season because of a right shoulder injury.

Outfielder Brett Jackson, who coped with strikeouts and injuries in 2013, fell off the list after being ranked fifth a year ago and first in 2012. The final 12 players on last year's list either dropped out of the top 30 or are with another organization.

Third baseman Kris Bryant and pitcher C.J. Edwards, ranked two-three on this year's list, weren't in the Cubs' organization until last summer.

For the second consecutive season, shortstop Javier Baez was ranked as the organization's top prospect.